The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

1. Learn hence a reason why God usually exerciseth such as he will use for the good of others, with many temptations. When God hath designed to make men eminently serviceable, he hath trained them up to it by more than ordinary trials; thus it was with Moses, Joseph, David, yea, Christ himself. It is not because he hath less respect for them than others, but to prepare them for the better discharging such services. When therefore you see any of Gods Servants thus dealt withal, let it not prejudice ⟨p. 420⟩you at them, nor say, surely they have given God some special provocation, but think, God is trying them as gold; and expect something observable to be produced by it. Jobs friends were thus mistaken in him, nor let any of Gods Children be overwhelmed, when they find sore temptations upon them, say not that God regards you not; but wait in hope: it may be he hath some special service for you to do, for the good of others, that by your experience, they may be profited.

2. This tells us that it is a great mercy to have dequaintance with experienced Christians. As God hath made man a sociable creature, and we cannot live like men without communion one with another, so of all men these are the most desirable and profitable for communion, who are the most acquainted with the various dealings of the Spirit of God with them: from vain men we can expect nothing by their fellowship, but to learn of their ways, which will harm us; but from good men we may expect to be helped in the ways of God; and none more fit to help and advise us, than they who have much acquaintance with God, and known his methods and dealings with his Children; by such acquaintance we may, if it be not our own fault, get abundance of good, and have cause to bless God for them for ever.